OWNERS and DRIVERS CLUB Inc.

NUMBER 151 – MARCH 2019

REGISTERED BY POST PUBLICATION NUMBER VBH-4024

ELF – IN ! Small, slight, and delicately - made or proportioned, quick, agile and delicate ( as in movement or thought ), having an otherworldly, unearthly or magical quality.

- Webster’s Dictionary.

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ELFIN OWNERS and DRIVERS CLUB Inc.

2019 marks the start of another exciting year for all Elfin enthusiasts. Can you believe it, 60 years of Elfin! It’s amazing to think that the cars we love had their beginnings in 1959, when started building those wonderful Streamliners.. During this special year we’ll feature some of the champions – the cars and the people that have made Elfin so special; but right now the focus is on some of the key events to highlight this landmark year. Stay tuned for updates throughout the year!

Late last year our President MIKE BARKER informed me of his decision to resign from the post at the start of 2019 due to his many obligations with family and racing. I would sincerely like to thank him for stepping up to the mark following BRIQUE’s sudden death and for his support over the past two years. It has been greatly appreciated. His last official duty on behalf of the EODC was representing the club at the CAMS Awards Night. What was our award I wonder? Details are included later in the newsletter.

GEOFF KELLY has been ‘encouraged’ to step into the role of President and I am delighted to announce that he has accepted the challenge. As a matter of urgency Geoff, has already taken th up his duties and will be formally introduced to members at the 60 Anniversary celebrations at The Bend, although many of you may catch up with him at the Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport in March. Thank you Geoff, your help throughout this exciting year will be most welcome!

th Special 60 anniversary caps have been created and will be sent to all 2019 financial members to wear proudly throughout the year. If you are planning to attend the racing at Phillip Island, our annual BBQ or the SA events, please contact me so that I can hand it to you personally (and save on postage). Additional caps are also available for sale!

Of course, at this time of year the EODC pays tribute to a member who has made a significant contribution to the Elfin marque. In this case the person chosen is a longtime member and we are honoured to salute his efforts, both on and off the track.

Read on to discover his name…..

I wish you a great year and hope you enjoy the celebrations!

CHERYL REID

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ELFIN OWNERS and DRIVERS CLUB Inc. BILL HEMMING making sure Arthur knows how BITS ‘N’ PIECES to work the barbeque.

EODC member and HRCCT President GRANT TWINING has embraced the 60th anniversary year of Elfin Sports Cars, by buying himself ANOTHER Elfin. This Elfin 600, at right, the ex- Bono car of Ian Peters will shortly make its way from Brisbane to Hobart. “Looks exactly like back in 1971 when Jack Bono set quickest time of the F2 contingent for the at Warwick Farm “ (Is he planning to buy enough cars to start his own Elfin Heritage Centre or is opting for the greatest ratio of Elfins per population? Either way, the Tasmanians are very proud of their contribution to the Elfin story and are planning a fabulous celebration later in the year. Ed)

After many many years, the first Streamliner is undergoing major restoration with the hope that it will be finished for this year’s celebrations. BILL BENTLY has been burning the midnight oil (and a few dollar notes) in an attempt to bring Streamliner NA1 back to life. We have been following his efforts with interest. Keep up the good work Bill!

Meanwhile PAUL LITTLER has opted for a retro look on his trailer to transport his Mono - M6440 - around the countryside.

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ELFIN OWNERS and DRIVERS CLUB Inc.

CAMS RECOGNISES 40 YEARS OF THE EODC

Oops! Without BRIQUE here to remind us, we missed our 40th anniversary, and only realised when invited by CAMS to attend their Awards Night. MIKE BARKER (left), seen here with CAMS General Manager of Motor Sports Michael Smith, accepts our award.

“The CAMS Vic Motor Sport Awards Night was held on the evening of Friday 8th February at the ‘Showtime Events Centre’, South Wharf and hosted by well known motor sports presenter Greg Rust. CAMS has recognised the club’s milestone (40 years) with a Certificate of Achievement.

The night celebrated the 2018 winners of the various Victorian Championships along with other awards, including certificates for long serving car clubs. On behalf of the EODC, I was honoured to receive the certificate in recognition of 40 years as an established car club. “ MIKE BARKER

BRIAN REED, formed the EODC in 1978 with GARRIE COOPER as patron, and remained President (and driving force) of the club until his death in late 2016. For 40 years, the club has seen several ownerships of the marque, countless annual BBQ’s, displays, club dinners, and EODC weekends - in particular the Tour to Tarrengower in 1993 and 1995. The first newsletter was produced in 1980.

AND NOW TO HILLCLIMBS….

2019 has already provided EODC members with plenty of excitement. MIKE BARKER (seen in action at left) won the inaugural event at Rob Roy in the Victorian Championship.

Photo by Garry Hill

Meanwhile BILL ROBERTS, and son MICHAEL are making it a family affair at the Mt Panorama Circuit this weekend in NOEL BULL’s Elfin Vee in Rounds 1 and 2 of the NSW Championship. No results at this stage, but we do have a shot of Bill (at right) looking very comfortable in the car and ready for action.

EODC CONTACTS: President: GEOFF KELLY – the4kellys @dodo.com.au 0401 995 811 or 03 8774 4154 Membership/Newsletter: CHERYL REID – [email protected] 0419 581 815 Memorabilia: BILL HEMMING – [email protected]

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ELFIN OWNERS and DRIVERS CLUB Inc.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? – THE STREAMLINERS

Prototype September 1959 First owner GARRIE COOPER Currently JOHN EVANS

NA1 March 1960 First owner ROB BROSNAN Currently BILL BENTLEY

NA2 March 1960 First owner BRUCE WENT Currently PETE FFRENCH

NA3 April 1960 First owner MURRAY LEWIS Currently JARRETT FAMILY

NA4 June 1960 First owner PETER WILKINSON Currently PAUL FAULKNER

NA5 June 1960 First owner RUSS COURT Currently DAN JEFFRIES

NA6 August 1960 First owner JARRETT BROS Currently JULIAN COWAN

NA7 Sept 1960 First owner PETER MANTON Currently MAX FREELAND

NA8 Sept 1960 First owner BRIAN MORRELL Currently BILL ATHERTON

NA9 Nov 1960 First owner TONY ALCOCK Currently JACK PAPPAS

NA10 Nov 1960 First owner RON DIAMOND Currently JOHN CARTER

NA11 Late 1960 First owner BOB WILLIAMS Currently ???????

NA12 Nov 1960 First owner JOHN HEXTALL Currently DAVID MCKENZIE

NA13 Dec 1960 First owner JOHN HARTNETT Currently MIKE SIMCOE

NA14 Dec 1960 First owner BILL PILE Currently GREG RACHMANIOFF

NA15 Dec 1960 First owner GEORGE SPANOS Currently GEORGE SPANOS

NA16 Feb 1961 First owner RAY LONG Currently TONY HETHERINGTON

NA17 April 1961 First owner DON DUNOON Currently ROSS WILLIAMS estate

NA18 April 1961 First owner JOCK O’BRIEN Currently BILL HEMMING

NA19 June 1961 First owner JARRETT BROS Currently IAN HOBBS

NA20 Jan 1962 First owner JOHN JARVIS Currently ?????

NA21 April 1962 First owner DANNY LANDRIGAN Currently COL SULLIVAN

NA22 June 1963 First owner BARRY HEARD Currently JOHN BECKER

(Please let us know of any updates to this information…)

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Celebrating 60 years of ELFIN champions in SA

All Historic Race Meeting – Mallala – April 26 to 28

The Friendliest Race Meeting in Australia! This year a special Elfin Supersprint has been added to the full programme of racing, in recognition of our 60th Anniversary. (This should also attract those Elfin owners without a Log Book or a Full Competition Licence.). A must to attend…

The Bend Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend – April 29/30 Enjoy a late start on Monday before lunch at the Birdwood Mill, the Adelaide Hills or the Barossa Valley as you meander to at Tailem Bend. This is an outstanding world class facility. If you haven’t seen it already, you are in for a surprise. Check-in from 2pm at Rydges and unpack your car, or just relax until pre-drinks. The highlight of the evening will be the Gala Dinner held at the FUEL restaurant. We will spark up the night with some lighting interviews and the odd “on the couch” discussions with Ex-Employees, Drivers, and Elfin Enthusiasts. Stay tuned for some special guests. A great night ….. with accommodation just down the corridor!

Tuesday 30th April is Testing Day. It starts with an early breakfast for participants, then the mandatory drivers’ briefing and sign-on. You will be able to use the track all morning for ‘Testing’. The Licence required will be CAMS L2 or higher. (If you don’t have one, you can purchase a day Licence for a small fee.) Cars will be grouped accordingly. Remember it’s for all Elfins, not just Open Wheelers and Big Bangers. Let’s see those wonderful 50’s and 60’s cars out there, as well as the more contemporary.

Non-drivers can enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of the Track View King Room, with a terrific cafe offering a full spread morning tea and coffee. With ‘Testing’ over by 1 pm, lunch will be served - allowing you to relax, load up your cars, make your way home at your leisure or even stay another night!

Motorsport Photographer and longtime Elfin supporter, John Lemm will be in attendance to capture this truly significant milestone in the history of the marque. (He will also offer special packages for the whole weekend.)

The Break Down and Booking

Mallala Book through the Cams Entry website. For any other queries contact the Competition Office of the Sporting Car Club of SA. - Naomi Maltby (08 8271 5689 )

The Bend - Full Elfin Experience package for one Driver, Accommodation and Catering - $550 To register and pay for the track component https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheBendMotorsportPark2/ELFINSixtyYearsOfChampions

- Rydges Accomodation Package - Twin rooms, $149 or $169 depending on the room.

- Rydges Catering Package - 2 Course Gala Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch - $110 (Special links for accommodation/catering will be available soon)

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ELFIN OWNERS and DRIVERS CLUB Inc.

2018 ELFIN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This year we are proud to announce PETER LARNER as the winner of the EODC Lifetime Achievement Award. Peter has been successful in both his own racing career, notably in the Elfin 620B and 700 in F2, as well as supporting countless other EODC members in their endeavours throughout his lifetime. His cheery smile and encouraging words have been seen and heard around the tracks for decades. Here is his story…

I started racing in 1966 in an ‘Ex School Lotus 18’. My first drive of an Elfin occurred in 1969 when Derry George asked me to drive the Ex-PHIL MOORE Elfin 300 powered by a 1600cc FVA. I drove it at Calder against HENRY MICHELL and PHIL MOORE in their new Elfin 360’s with 2.5 litre V8’s. I was impressed with the handling and balance of the car but unfortunately ran out of brakes at Repco Corner and had to spin the car to stop it. I found out later that Derry had a habit of bleeding brakes and re-using the brake fluid. The next Elfin I drove was the Clisby V6 Chassis fitted with an 1860cc twin cam. A rocket down the straight but small brakes made it a handful to stop. In 1974, having started to recover from the financial embarrassment of finally buying Sue and my young family a house, I purchased the Ex-Perkins Elfin 600 without either an engine or gearbox. I built an engine and bought a Holinger gearbox from Brian Beasy. I did an enormous amount of testing at Calder and won the Stillwell – Davison Cup there. GARRIE COOPER had announced a new Formula Ford for 1975 the 620B, so I ordered the first one and Hans (a close friend and employee) and I went over with a new engine to pick it up. Garrie had drawn the engine cover but hadn’t had time to make the mould so, the boys at Elfin beat out one in aluminium and we took it home like that. The car was immediately one full second faster in testing than the 600 and I loved driving this superb handling car. Towards the end of 1975 I was having a cup of tea with Garrie at Calder and he asked me what I was doing in 1976. I told him I was keen to go AF2, which used the Lotus twin cam engine at the time. He asked me what car I had in mind and I pointed to the “Elfin 700 AF3” of Tony Maws, Garrie said with big wheels and I told him I felt the AF2 wheels were too big and wanted to try the AF3 wheels, he agreed. The car was very successful in its first year but, for a spin on the 2nd last lap at Phillip Island, we would have won the AF2 Australian Championship. We won in 1977 but C.A.M.S. in their wisdom decided in 1978 on a 1600cc single cam engine. Paul England who had supplied the Twin Cam engines for 1976 and 1977 rang me a fortnight before the Rothmans series at Amaroo Park started and said “We really should contest that series and proceeded to build an engine in a week”. Hans and I arrived on the Saturday in time for Qualifying for the first of 6 rounds. At the end, we won that series too. After being reunited with the car through KEITH MORLING, the “Elfin 700” still sits in my garage, my favourite race car of them all.

PETER LARNER is a worthy winner of our club trophy and joins an illustrious list of past winners, who are recorded on the following page. Congratulations Peter!

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ELFIN OWNERS and DRIVERS CLUB Inc.

PAST EODC WINNERS:

1984 – IAN HOBBS; 1985 – PAUL HAMILTON; 1986 – BOB MINOGUE; 1987 – HARLEY BOGGIS; 1988 – ALBERT MIDDLETON; 1989 – BARRY CATFORD; 1990 – STUART KOSTERA; 1991 – GRAHAM HOINVILLE; 1992 – GRAHAME WARD; 1993 – BRIAN LEAR; 1994 – ROSS WILLIAMS; 1995 – JOHN BLANDEN; 1996 – RICHARD HARRIS; 1997 – STEPHEN KNOX; 1998 – BRIAN LEAR; 1999 – AARON LEWIS; 2000 – GEORGE SPANOS; 2001 – BILL PROWSE; 2002 – IAN ROSS; 2003 – CLIFF COOPER; 2004 – BILL HEMMING & NICK KOVATCH; 2005 – BRIAN SAMPSON; 2006 – BILL HEMMING & NICK KOVATCH; 2007 – LAURIE BENNETT; 2008 – TONY PARKINSON; 2009 – The HAMILTON FAMILY & LAMBERT FAMILY; 2010 – LAURIE BENNETT; 2011 – IAN BROCK; 2012 – JEFF BROWN; 2013 - MIKE BARKER; 2014 – MARK GOLDSMITH; 2015 – SHANE HUGHES; and 2016 – BRIAN REED (Life Time Achievement Award); and 2017 - GRAEME WRIGHT.

2019 AGP ELFIN BBQ As usual, our Grand Prix barbeque will be held at the Elfin Heritage Centre, 29 Capella Crescent, Moorabbin.

B Date: Friday, March 15th Time: 6:00pm onwards Cost: Free for current financial members and their partners, $20 per head for visitors.

It’s a great way to get into the Grand Prix spirit, enjoy master chef Arthur’s culinary delights and catch up with other members at this fabulous venue. The cars on display are pretty good too!

FOR CATERING PURPOSES PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE ATTENDING.

Please contact Cheryl on 0419 581 815, or email [email protected]

ELFIN 60th ANNIVERSARY CAPS Limited edition anniversary caps to celebrate 60 years of Elfin have been produced and will be sent to all 2019 financial members. Wear them proudly! PLEASE CONTACT CHERYL IF YOU WILL BE AT PHILLIP ISLAND, THE BBQ or SA CELEBRATIONS, so she can deliver them personally.

If you would like to purchase additional caps for your collection or for family and friends they are available for $25 each (plus $10 postage and handling). Please contact CHERYL – 0419 581 815 ([email protected]).

They will also be available for sale at the Elfin BBQ and Elfin 60th Anniversary celebrations until sold out.

WANTED: SIDESKIRTS for ELFIN 623 (also interested in other 623 parts) COROLLA F3 ENGINE parts – inner manifolds, sumps, cylinder heads etc.

Contact: NOEL CLARK 0447 444 601

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ELFIN OWNERS and DRIVERS CLUB Inc.

MEMBERSHIP:

We wish to introduce our newest members and wish them many years of enjoyment with the EODC.

No 679 – BILL TYMMS

Bill has been a club member and 2008 MS8 streamliner owner for some time now but missed out on receiving a number. Sorry about that Bill! Of course in the meantime he has encouraged his son to also join the club. Good luck in the Mk6 at Phillip Island next weekend!

No 680 – JEFF GRANSDEN

For many years, Jeff ran a business four doors away from the Elfin factory in Conmurra Avenue, Edwardstown and consequently has been a long time Elfin enthusiast and owner. In 1988/9, with permission of then Elfin owners Don Elliott and Tony Edmunsen, he built six Clubmans using the original jigs and body molds. Great to have you in the club Jeff!

No 681 – MICHAEL DOUBE

Michael is the son of member PAUL DOUBE. He has been competing in his father’s 2003 Ketrel in the MSCA Supersprint Series since 2012.

No 682 – MALCOLM BOYD Malcolm is the proud owner of three Elfin 792s. Despite their damage, he has spent the last six years rebuilding them all and the end is in sight. The ex - BOWE 79201, will rejoin the track for the first time next weekend at Phillip Island, since it was written off at Sandown in practice in Feb 1985. Malcolm hopes to have all three in action at Eastern Creek in July! Wow!

VALE: 2001 Elfin Clubman of the Year, BILL PROWSE, has passed away at 94 years of age. During his many years of motorsport, the car enthusiast spent his time competing in a variety of Regularities and Hillclimbs - often in his limited edition historic Alfa Ricciardi Spyder - after getting his first taste not long after the conclusion of the World War 11. (Bill was known for being the oldest CAMS license holder, having held his speed licence up until 2017.) He owned an Elfin Formula Junior in the late 70’s which was raced by Bob Minogue. Widely known within the Victorian historic fraternity, he was also Convenor of the Annual Wings and Wheels event at Moorabbin Airport before eventually retiring at 90.

Our condolences to Lois and their family.

JOHN EDMONDS Former Formula Ford driver John Edmonds passed away peacefully in early January. In 1975 he purchased and raced Garrie Cooper’s MR5-B. His races included the 1975 , 1976/77 Australian Formula 1 Series, 1976/77 Rothman’s International Series, and 1976 Peter Styvesant Series. The family proudly added several Elfin touches at his funeral as well as having an MR8 on display.

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Celebrating 60 years of ELFIN champions Don’t forget to mark these dates in your diaries now…..

th March 7-10 Elfin Display at Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport

th A small display of Elfin cars to advertise our 60 year, promote the marque and EODC.

th March 15 BBQ and AGM at The Elfin Heritage Centre,

This wonderful annual event will start the celebrations for the year. Hope to see as many members (and their partners) joining in the festivities and catching up with old friends!

th th April 26 – 30 - Mallala and The Bend Celebrations

This event is being organised by Mark Goldsmith. Elfin-only sprints will feature during the Mallala Historics th th th (April 26 -28 ) followed by a gala dinner at The Bend Rydges Pit Hotel (April 29 ) with lots of Elfin dignitaries. An Elfin-only Testing Day will be held at the new track on the April 30th. Lots to see and do!

th nd September 20 – 22 Tasmania - Baskeville Celebration

This event is being organised by Ron Lambert with super sprints at the Baskerville Historics, gala dinner and display. An Elfin-only run at Symmons Track on the Monday is also being investigated. Well worthy of making it a holiday week!

th st Nov 29 – Dec 1 New South Wales - Eastern Creek Celebration

This event is being organised by Richard Cardew (HSRCA) with Elfin the feature marque for the event. An Elfin-only super sprint is being proposed as well as an Elfin evening. Mark it in your calendar now!

To be announced Queensland - Celebration

This luncheon is being organised by Vern and Elaine Hamilton and will be held later in the year. (If it’s half as th good as the Lakeside get together they organised for the 50 , this should be fun.)

To be announced Western Australia - Celebration

This event is being organised by Stuart Kostera and will be held later in the year. Let’s support the boys out West…

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ELFIN OWNERS and DRIVERS CLUB Inc. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name (PLEASE PRINT) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Address…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Postcode…………………………Fax No……………………………………Mobile No ………………………………………………… Phone No……………………………………………………………(home) …………………………………………………………(work) Email………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… I am an owner/ex-owner/entrant/driver/mechanic/enthusiast of Elfin cars. (Please circle)

CAR…………………………………………………………… YEAR OF MANUFACTURE…………………………… CATEGORY……………………………………………… CAPACITY………………………………………………………… ENGINE…………………………………………………… ENGINE NO……………………………………………………… CHASSIS NO………………………………………… COLOUR…………………………………………………………… Any other significant mechanical details?

- HISTORY OF CAR - EVENTS CONTESTED (include results and dates)

PREVIOUS OWNERS (and years)

""" Please include a photograph of your car """

I wish to become a member of the Elfin Owners and Drivers Club, and # have enclosed a cheque for $25 - membership fee (no cash please). # have paid my membership via direct credit – Bank A/C No. 5003785 BSB 633-000 (Bendigo & Adelaide Bank)

Signed ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Please return to Cheryl Reid or email [email protected] 2/6 Merton St IVANHOE 3079

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ELFIN OWNERS and DRIVERS CLUB Inc. Print Post Publication No. PP 326764/00034 SURFACE

If undeliverable, return to: MAIL Cheryl Reid 2/6 Merton St IVANHOE 3079

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